What Are Characteristics of the Best Used SUV Under $20,000?

The SUVs available for under $20,000 are compact SUVs with a four-cylinder engine and seating for five. Mileage for a compact SUV is in the low-to-mid 20s. Compact SUVs do not usually have as much cargo capacity as larger SUVs. The safety of the vehicle should also be taken into account.

The four-cylinder engines typically found in SUVs under $20,000 don't put out the same kind of power of a six-cylinder or an eight-cylinder, but because they are smaller and put out less power, they need less gas, so the mileage from a four-cylinder is better than that of a larger engine.

The back seat of an SUV can be folded or removed to increase the cargo capacity. However, this lowers the number of available seats. SUVs under $20,000 typically have less cargo room because they are smaller than SUVs at a higher price range.

Safety ratings are important to look up because they help inform the car buyer on whether the car can keep him and his passengers safe. Safety ratings are done on a five-star scale, where five is the highest, and one is the lowest. Safety features to look out for are multiple airbags, back-up cameras, and antilock brakes.